University of Virginia's College at Wise vs Advanced Technology Institute: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Virginia's College at Wise comes closer — median earnings $45,325 against a $36,840 total, vs $46,342 at Advanced Technology Institute. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Virginia's College at Wise | Advanced Technology Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,210 | $16,358 |
| Total net cost | $36,840 | $65,432 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,325 | $46,342 |
| Median debt | $16,750 | $14,873 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$97,540 | -$105,792 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Virginia's College at Wise or Advanced Technology Institute?
University of Virginia's College at Wise, at $9,210 a year after aid versus $16,358 — a gap of $7,148 a year, or $28,592 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Virginia's College at Wise or Advanced Technology Institute graduates earn more?
Advanced Technology Institute graduates report a median $46,342 ten years after entry, $1,017 more than the $45,325 at University of Virginia's College at Wise. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Virginia's College at Wise or Advanced Technology Institute?
Advanced Technology Institute: its completers carry a median $14,873 in federal loans versus $16,750 at University of Virginia's College at Wise, a difference of $1,877. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at Advanced Technology Institute, against 47% at University of Virginia's College at Wise. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.